‘It is a question of when’: How Tampa Bay school districts are responding to Parkland school shooting

Increased police presence. Trauma counselors on hand. Cancelled safety drills.

And a call for metal detectors at all middle and high schools.

Tampa Bay school district officials reacted similarly to a school shooting that killed 17 and wounded 15 a day's drive away on Wednesday. Administrators were instructed to review safety procedures while elected officials called for stronger measures.

There was a recurring emphasis on reporting suspicious activity immediately.

Pinellas County school superintendent Mike Grego, who reached out to offer support on Thursday to his friend and colleague, Broward County superintendent Robert Runcie, wrote in an email to parents that "we must do more" to address "this ongoing societal problem."

He added that there will be increased law enforcement patrols on campuses, including police visits to elementary schools.

"Primarily, schools are some of the safest place but this is a larger reflection on society, whether it's a night club in Orlando or a shooting in Vegas," he said. "This is a societal issue that really needs to be addressed and this type of behavior is unacceptable."

Pinellas County School Board chairwoman Rene Flowers wrote on her Facebook page begging that Congress to "do more than pray or send condolences."

Pasco school district officials introduced a plan in August to teach students how to fight back, rather than hide, in the event of an active shooter. The Pasco County Sheriff's Office has also assigned additional deputies at schools Wednesday "for peace of mind."

"The Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School tragedy has struck our nation creating many unanswered questions and leaving a need for resources as we deal with the aftermath of trauma," the district wrote to school administrators Wednesday night. "Students across the district will likely hear about this tragedy, so staff will need to know how to address this in our schools in the days to come. The most important thing all educators, parents, and other adults must do for kids is to create a sense of normalcy and assure a sense of safety."

Hillsborough County School Board member Lynn Gray said in a statement that she has called for metal detectors in every middle and high school.

"It is not a question of if a shooting will occur, it is a question of when," she wrote. "When the incident happened just a while ago, it could have been one of our schools. No matter where it is, this is the saddest time for families, friends, loved ones and the entire community. I am more than saddened, yet angry, at the fact weapons are being brought to our school and kids caught almost on a daily basis."

In a video message posted on the Hernando County Sheriff's Office Facebook page, Sheriff Al Nienhuis and Superintendent Lori Romano said there will be an increased police presence at schools for the near future.

Romano asked families to report bullying to a teacher or administrator so it does not lead to crime.

"It's also important to know that friends and family are the first line of defense," said Nienhuis. "If you know a young person who's acting irrationally, please say something immediately to local law enforcement."